KADAPA: Banana farmers in Rayalaseema will get tissue-cultured saplings from year 2020.
A laboratory for tissue culture saplings will be opened at the horticulture research station at Anantharajupeta Horticulture University in Railwaykodur in Kadapa district.
According to principal scientist of the horticulture research centre Dr. Nagraju Rachkunta, the government has sanctioned `1.2 crore to launch the laboratory for tissue cultured saplings.
“Already, the building was constructed and the equipment is being procured by the department,” he said.
“The government sanctioned Rs 43.5 lakhs in the first phase. Scientists will collect the cells from the healthiest banana plants and develop the tissue culture saplings,” he said.
Research scientists had planned the tissue cultured banana saplings laboratory and sent proposals to the government.
After careful examination, the horticulture commissioner has approved their proposals.
The government has sanctioned Rs 1.2 crores in the first phase under Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana scheme. In the first phase, they have targeted to produce 30 lakhs saplings per year. Particularly in Kadapa district, a huge extent of banana orchards are under cultivation. There are 25,000 acres of banana orchards which are being cultivated by the farmers.
Scientists will produce grand-9 variety of tissue cultured saplings which are suitable for the soil conditions in Rayalaseema.
Principal scientist Nagaraju Rachakunta said that they will produce 30 lakhs saplings in the first year and will supply it to the farmers at a lower cost.
“This will help the small and marginal farmers to get the healthiest banana saplings in their area,” he said and added that it will help to expand the extent of banana orchards in Rayalaseema districts.
